To Die For (1995)

To Die For (1995) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

To Die For (1995), directed by Gus Van Sant, is a darkly comedic and satirical look at obsession and the pursuit of fame. Starring Nicole Kidman in one of her most memorable roles, the film delves into the extremes one woman will go to in order to achieve her dream of becoming a famous newscaster. With a sharp script and compelling performances, To Die For remains a standout in the genre of dark comedy and psychological drama.

In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, key performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream or rent To Die For online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

To Die For centers around Suzanne Stone (Nicole Kidman), an ambitious and somewhat delusional aspiring news anchor who is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve her dream. Suzanne is married to a small-town businessman, Larry (Matt Dillon), who doesn’t share her passion for fame and success. Her obsession with becoming a news anchor drives her to manipulate those around her, including a group of high school students.

Suzanne becomes involved with a group of teenagers, including Jimmy (Joaquin Phoenix) and Lydia (Casey Affleck), and persuades them to help her in her quest for fame. Her manipulation leads to a tragic and shocking outcome, revealing the lengths she will go to for her ambitions.

The film presents Suzanne’s story through a series of interviews, news reports, and diary entries, providing a multifaceted view of her character and the events that unfold.

Key Characters and Performances

• Suzanne Stone (Nicole Kidman)
  Nicole Kidman delivers a standout performance as Suzanne Stone. Her portrayal captures Suzanne’s charm, ambition, and underlying ruthlessness. Kidman’s performance is both captivating and chilling, making Suzanne a memorable and complex character.
• Larry Maretto (Matt Dillon)
  Matt Dillon plays Larry Maretto, Suzanne’s husband, who is caught in the crossfire of her ambitions. Dillon’s performance provides a sympathetic counterpoint to Kidman’s character, highlighting the personal and emotional toll of Suzanne’s actions.
• Jimmy Emmett (Joaquin Phoenix)
  Joaquin Phoenix portrays Jimmy Emmett, one of the teenagers manipulated by Suzanne. Phoenix’s performance adds depth to the character, showcasing his vulnerability and the impact of Suzanne’s influence.
• Lydia Mertz (Casey Affleck)
  Casey Affleck plays Lydia Mertz, another teenager involved in Suzanne’s scheme. Affleck’s performance contributes to the film’s darkly comedic tone and adds to the overall tension.
• Detective John Hubble (William Mapother)
  William Mapother portrays Detective John Hubble, who investigates the case surrounding Suzanne’s actions. Mapother’s performance adds a layer of procedural drama to the film.

What to Expect from To Die For

Strengths

1. Nicole Kidman’s Performance: Kidman’s portrayal of Suzanne Stone is the film’s standout feature. Her performance is both charismatic and unsettling, perfectly capturing the character’s manipulative and ambitious nature.
2. Dark Humor and Satire: The film’s dark humor and satirical approach provide a sharp critique of the pursuit of fame and media obsession. The script effectively blends comedy and drama, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.
3. Innovative Storytelling: The use of interviews, news clips, and diary entries adds a unique narrative structure to the film. This approach offers multiple perspectives on the story and enhances the overall viewing experience.
4. Engaging Plot: The film’s plot is both gripping and suspenseful, keeping viewers engaged with its twists and turns. The exploration of obsession and manipulation adds depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues: Some viewers may find the film’s pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling slower than others. The narrative’s shifts between different formats can also affect the flow.
2. Character Development: While Suzanne is well-developed, some supporting characters may feel less fleshed out. The focus on Suzanne’s character occasionally comes at the expense of deeper exploration of other characters.
3. Dark Tone: The film’s dark humor and satirical elements may not appeal to all viewers. The exploration of disturbing themes and characters may be unsettling for some.

Direction and Cinematography

Gus Van Sant’s direction brings a distinctive style to To Die For. His use of dark comedy and satire effectively critiques the media and fame culture. Van Sant’s innovative storytelling techniques and attention to character development contribute to the film’s impact.

The cinematography, by Eric Edwards, complements Van Sant’s direction with its stylized visuals and attention to detail. The use of different formats, including interviews and news footage, adds to the film’s unique presentation.

Where to Watch To Die For Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

To Die For is available for streaming on several platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
2. Apple iTunes
   • You can rent or purchase To Die For on Apple iTunes, with rentals priced around $3.99 and purchase options starting at $9.99.
3. Google Play Movies
   • The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies, with rentals at $3.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.
4. Vudu
   • To Die For can be rented or purchased on Vudu, with rentals typically costing around $2.99 to $4.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For additional rental and purchase options, you can also check:

• YouTube Movies
• Microsoft Store

Rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, with purchase options typically falling between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

To Die For is available on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Physical copies may include special features like behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the cast and crew, and commentary by Gus Van Sant.

Conclusion

To Die For (1995) is a darkly comedic and satirical exploration of fame, ambition, and manipulation. With Nicole Kidman’s standout performance and Gus Van Sant’s distinctive direction, the film offers a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Available for streaming and digital rental or purchase, To Die For is a compelling choice for fans of dark comedies and psychological dramas.